The 2023 restructuring of General Health Insurance (GSS) premium debts has become a topic many citizens are following closely. The omnibus bill addressing GSS premium debt forgiveness and restructuring — which would erase portions of debts and allow installments for the remainder — was approved by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) and attention has turned to the details.
With the new GSS relief measures, lawmakers aim to resolve the hardship faced by citizens who have been unable to access health services because of GSS debts. We have compiled the key details about the amnesty process and how affected individuals can regain access to healthcare services.
What Is General Health Insurance (GSS)?
GSS is a system designed to ensure that all citizens can access healthcare services regardless of their financial situation. Since January 1, 2012, all citizens were included in the mandatory GSS scheme. Those not covered by another insurance branch must pay GSS premiums to benefit from healthcare services. Under current law, citizens with outstanding GSS premium debts are generally not eligible to receive covered health services.
Who Is Covered by GSS?
GSS coverage was applied broadly with few exceptions, effectively including the entire population. Employers pay GSS premiums for employees covered by social security. For those without employer coverage, a means test is required to determine whether they must pay premiums. Individuals subject to the means test are identified mainly by age criteria.
For Whom Is GSS Mandatory?
Mandatory GSS is determined based on dependent status. Insured workers and their dependents can access healthcare services without charge. When dependency ends, a means test determines whether individuals must begin paying GSS premiums in order to continue receiving services. The age-based rules, with some exceptions, are as follows:
- Individuals who are not working, not enrolled in education, and have reached age 18 are generally obliged to have GSS coverage.
- High school students remain covered without separate premium obligations until age 20; university students until age 25.
- Daughters who have not married may be exempted from GSS premium obligations regardless of the age threshold in some circumstances.
Has the 2023 GSS Debt Amnesty Been Announced?
The GSS premium debt amnesty for 2023 was expected to be announced in February. The proposal, first raised in December 2022, was anticipated to be finalized and enter into force in February 2023.
Who Will Benefit from the 2023 GSS Amnesty?
Eligibility for the GSS amnesty was designed primarily with citizens who have been denied health services due to outstanding GSS premiums in mind. Those insured under the Bağ-Kur scheme were excluded from the proposal. If the bill becomes law, citizens who pay 50% of their premium debt within one year of enrollment in the program may be exempted from the remaining debt. The proposal also highlighted that the 50% of debt may be paid in cash or via installment plans.
Will GSS Premium Debt Be Fully Erased?
Proposals indicated that up to 90% of GSS premium debts could be erased, but because the process had not yet been formalized at the time of publication, that percentage may change when finalized.
What Happens to Legal Cases Filed over GSS Premium Debts?
Legal proceedings related to GSS premium debts will be affected by the final version of the law and by individuals’ payment choices. Under the forgiveness and restructuring provisions, cases against debtors who pay their debt in full would be closed. Cases against those choosing installment plans would be suspended until installment payments are completed.
Where Should I Apply for the GSS Debt Amnesty?
Applying for the GSS debt amnesty requires a means test. Citizens who wish to benefit from amnesty or restructuring should apply to the Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundations (SYDV) in their city or district to undergo the income assessment.
If the means test result places a citizen below the threshold set by the program, they will be covered by the amnesty and can regain free access to healthcare services. Those whose debt exceeds the threshold can start using health services again by paying either in full or through an approved installment plan.
How Is 2023 GSS Premium Debt Restructured?
GSS premium debt restructuring follows a procedure similar to the amnesty route. Citizens seeking restructuring should apply to the SYDV offices affiliated with the district governorates in their place of residence.
Following the income test at the SYDV, the applicant’s outstanding debt up to December 31, 2023 will be calculated. Under the law, a fixed portion (for example, 5,000 or 10,000 Turkish lira, depending on the final text) may be deducted from the total debt and payment options will be offered for the remaining balance. Applicants may use installment plans to restructure outstanding GSS premiums.
How Can I Check My GSS Premium Debt?
GSS premium debt inquiries can be made through SYDV offices or completed in minutes via the e-Government (e-Devlet) platform. Citizens who want to estimate how much of their debt would be covered by the amnesty or restructuring can view up-to-date debt information through the e-Government portal.